Summit to examine regional landscape approach to conservation, recreationA two-day summit Oct. 29-30 in Harrisburg will demonstrate how regional conservation landscape work is helping to build a better Pennsylvania and improve the quality of life for people living in these regions.

Across the state, communities are turning to their natural assets to conserve land and water, make trail connections, enhance visitor experiences and improve outdoor recreation opportunities. At the Conservation Landscape Summit, sessions will discuss how communities are creating plans to meld economic business growth with conservation goals; protecting valuable land and creating streamside buffers; opening new visitor centers to make the necessary connections between people and nature; creating driving tours and speakers’ series to educate about the special qualities of the region; renovating and upgrading parks and access to waterways; and linking trails to create transportation and recreation corridors.

“The organized work in these regions is paying dividends,” said Richard Allan, secretary of DCNR, a co-sponsor of the summit. Read more...

Summit in Gettysburg to focus on local foods, health and recreation
Issues of affordable and accessible healthy eating and recreational opportunities in southcentral Pennsylvania will be the topic of the “Go Local for Health Summit” to be held Sept. 18 at the Gettysburg Hotel. Read more...

Energy development contributes to maintaining state forest access
Hagerman Run is a high-quality, wild brook trout stream cascading through a ravine between Narrow Mountain and Sugarcamp Mountain in the Loyalsock State Forest in Lycoming County. Read more...

Revised water trail guides are available for the Yellow Breeches and Conodoguinet creeks. The Yellow Breeches Creek Water Trail Guide provides boating and recreation information for approximately 22 miles of the Yellow Breeches, divided into two trips due to the existence of several hazardous dams and the lack of approved access and/or portage. The Conodoguinet Creek Water Trail Guide provides information for approximately 40 miles of the Conodoguinet. The trail begins near Carlisle at North Middleton Park and ends at “The Point” in West Fairview where the creek flows into the Susquehanna River.

Water trails are comprised of access points, boat launches and day use sites. The guides also include boating and fishing regulations, safety tips for paddling, and emergency and tourism information.

Cumberland County and the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau also have completed a revised Local Food, Farm and Outdoor Attraction Guide. It includes a directory of farmers markets, roadside stands, pick your own operations, farm stays and other agritourism locations. In addition, the guide includes information on outdoor recreation opportunities available in Cumberland County. To access the water guides online, visit here or here.

American Bus Association names ‘Discover Presque Isle’ one of North America’s 100 best events for 2013
The American Bus Association (ABA) has announced that “Discover Presque Isle Days,” to be held on July 26-28, 2013, has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2013 by an experienced expert tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, indicates that Discover Presque Isle Days offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, according to ABA.

With the release of the American Bus Association’s 2013 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates 31 years of the program. What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.

According to studies completed by researchers at the George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from US $5,000 to more than US $11,000 in a local destination’s economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.

ABA’s 2013 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected Discover Presque Isle Days from hundreds of event nominations submitted by ABA members. Judges considered the event’s broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches and skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.

"Expedition Dark Night" Hike at Ohiopyle State ParkSept. 15. Held 8:45 - 10:45 p.m. Hiking at night can be intimidating to many folks. This expedition will give visitors the opportunity to hike the woods of Ohiopyle along with a Naturalist. Along the way we will uncover many of the secrets of the dark and how nocturnal animals frolick during a time when we are normally tucked into bed. For more information contact Barbara Wallace at (724)329-0986.

Sustainable Lands Bus Tours
Two bus tours will soon take place in eastern PA communities to highlight the importance of open space, storm water management, native plantings and more. Attend one or both tours to see great examples, network and learn. Sign up soon… the registration deadlines as fast approaching!

Invasive Plant Management WorkshopSept. 26. Held at Nescopeck State Park. Sponsored by the Pinchot Chapter Allegheny Society of American Foresters, this one-day seminar is designed to explore different techniques of controlling the spread of invasive plants. It also includes a tour of sites throughout the park. Registration is required. Fee is $18 per person. For more information, contact Todd Hagenbuch at (570) 401-7098.